We eventually got a flight Dublin to Toronto and onwards to Dallas.
Next we had to apply for an ESTA -which came through in a few hours. As it’s Covid time, there was a requirement that we get an Antigen test one day prior to our departure.
Our son advised that even though we were merely transitting at Toronto, we may need a visa. We had visited Canada in the past and none was required of an Irish citizen. However, the rules have changed and an eTa was required and in addition a negative PCR required within 72 hours of departure.
This necessitated a trip to the vaccination centre on Saturday, where we got the the required Antigen and PCR Tests, €29 and €69 respectively.
We decided to travel light as we didn’t want to have to to go through customs at Toronto, thus possibly missing our connection to Dallas.
Our usual taxi man wasn’t available, so in case the taxi didn’t arrive, which was a previous experience, we took the 07:03 air coach which got us to the airport at 07:40. Much to our relief, there was no queue at the check-in, so within minutes, we were breakfasting.
We had met a very helpful Canadian Airways staff member. She advised that the flights were lightly booked and though we were on standby, she could book us all the way to Dallas and consequently, we could check our bags through. Our negative PCR test was checked!!
We boarded and it was a ‘spot the passenger’ moment. The plane was only about a third full. I took an exit row to myself and when I later wished to sleep, I stretched out on a middle row. Lunch was served immediately, and then much to our amazement, the lights were dimmed at c. 11:00 hrs!!!
Seven hours later, we arrived in Toronto and we had gained five hours. As we descended, the landscape was a sea of snow and snow ploughs were visible on the runways. We disembarked and felt the chill in the air.!!
We went through Canadian customs. The half litre of Irish whiskey, was taken from its sealed packet created in Dublin airport and analysed on a machine before being returned to us.!! We proceeded to the US emigration, where we were asked the purpose of our visit, if we were carrying any presents to our son or any plants? We replied in the negative. We were not asked for the Antigen results!!
J was arriving at A terminal and we had arrived at E. Dallas/ Fort Worth is a massive airport. It makes Heathrow appear very small. It took us 15 minutes in the transit coach to reach A. J arrived, he hired a car and we headed for the Hilton. We had added another hour to our lengthening day!!
After check-in, we quickly washed as J had arranged to meet a friend and her daughter for dinner. As it was late, our choice was limited, we went to Bistro 31, where we had an indifferent meal.
We returned to the hotel at 23:00 - a long day from awakening in Dublin at 06:00 plus 6 hours - a mere 23 hour day but I felt fine!!
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